Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z vs Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ gives that up to stay lighter (420g (14.8 oz)) and cheaper ($1,399). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,399 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 1330g (2.93 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is 24-105mm, Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 20-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is $1,399, $1,600 under the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 420g (14.8 oz) vs 1330g (2.93 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z or the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ gives that up to stay lighter (420g (14.8 oz)) and cheaper ($1,399). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z?
Choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ?
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if you're on a budget — $1,399 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 1330g (2.93 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z and the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ?
Aperture: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-105mm | 20-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 23 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 84° – 23.5° | 94° – 46° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Nano USM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,999 | $1,399 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 88.5mm | − |
| Length | 199mm | − |
| Weight | 1330g (2.93 lb) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
